Deliberate Hindrance

Deliberate Hindrance

Qin Wentian's Mandate of Force had a remarkable effect on the flowing stream, transforming it into a soaring pillar that erupted like a geyser. The realization of this phenomenon confirmed one thing—Qin Wentian had achieved a breakthrough.

His Mandate had ascended to the second level.

For Qin Wentian, this progress was of immense significance. He comprehended that in the upcoming year-end ranking battle, his opponents would not only possess peak-level Yuanfu cultivation bases but also have mastered their Mandates to the Perfection Boundary of the first level. Although they hadn't crossed into the realm of Heavenly Dipper, the possibility that those ranked at the top had also reached the second level of their Mandates was a credible assumption.

Understanding a Mandate's second level was a critical step toward attaining Heavenly Dipper. Many Stellar Martial Cultivators remained stuck at this juncture, their lives spent eternally within the Yuanfu Realm.

The gravity of his breakthrough wasn't lost on Qin Wentian. It provided him with increased confidence to confront the other formidable competitors in the upcoming ranking battle.

"I should go now," Qin Wentian murmured, prompting a sad smile from Mo Qingcheng.

"At the year-end ranking battle, I'll proudly declare you as mine," Qin Wentian's calm words held a promise to both her and himself. The intensity of his vow sent shivers through Mo Qingcheng.

Stepping away, Qin Wentian left the spot, his determination evident in every step he took.

Once back on the island, he was met with several probing glances. People noticed he had extended the meeting with Mo Qingcheng beyond the initially agreed-upon time. Speculation circulated—what transpired between them during that extra time? Yet, many dismissed the thought, convinced that despite his excellence, Qin Wentian's humble background made it impossible for him to pursue Mo Qingcheng. To them, his actions seemed like mere wishful thinking.

They failed to comprehend the depth of feelings shared by Qin Wentian and Mo Qingcheng. Perhaps only a select few within the Pill Emperor Hall truly understood their connection.

Bai Fei regarded Qin Wentian deeply. The man she had met in Chu had transformed in ways she could never have predicted.

As the banquet concluded, attendees gradually departed from the Chen Estate. While Qin Wentian and the others made their exit, they were abruptly met with an intense, blinding light—a radiance akin to the sun's brilliance.

Turning their attention toward its source, they spotted a young man perched atop a building's pinnacle. With arms crossed and sun-like eyes, he gazed down at them, accompanied by a colossal, flaming orb resembling a miniature sun. The brilliance it emitted illuminated their surroundings with dazzling intensity.

"The Great Solar Universe Art, harnessing the sun's might." Whispered astonishment fluttered across the faces of the spectators. "That's Chen Wang, the prodigy of the Great Solar Chen Clan's younger generation."

"He's the second-ranked on the Heavenly Fate Rankings, Chen Wang."

Qin Wentian shifted his gaze, and just then, Chen Wang's attention seemed to lock onto him. A searing surge of heat radiated from Chen Wang's eyes, each orb a blazing sun.

"The temperature's skyrocketing." The crowd felt the atmosphere's heat spike, even causing surprise among the Heavenly Dippers from the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan.

Chen Wang of the Great Solar Clan was truly living up to his reputation. His gaze alone could scorch the air, indicating that at least one of his Mandates had reached the second level.

With Hua Taixu out of the competition, the hopes and odds for the first ranking in the current rankings were pinned on Chen Wang of the Great Solar Chen Clan. He had resided in the ninth level of Yuanfu for years, his preparations for ascending to Heavenly Dipper presumably complete. His Mandates were likely to be at the second level, though no one could confirm how many.

"Chen Wang is undoubtedly formidable." Ouyang Kuangsheng's eyes glinted keenly. "In these triennial ranking battles, most of the monstrous geniuses conceal their strength until the last possible moment. This time's battle promises to be even more intense than previous ones."

"I'm curious which geniuses from different transcendent powers will seize the top spots and consequently lay claim to Grand Xia's fortune and destiny."

"Fortune and destiny? Are these notions real?"

Qin Wentian was skeptical about these superstitious beliefs. While luck played a part on one's cultivation journey, strength was also paramount. No matter how powerful someone was, there would always be someone stronger. Offending a superior was a stroke of bad luck, as a deceased genius was no longer a genius.

However, the notion that securing the first rank would grant a transcendent power the ability to pilfer more luck and fortune sounded like utter nonsense to Qin Wentian.

"I'm not entirely sure about that," he remarked, a note of skepticism in his tone. "Ideas like luck and destiny are too elusive for me to wholeheartedly buy into. However, it's possible that the Venerate Heavens Sect foresaw the depletion of ancient Grand Xia's luck. This could explain their support for the rebels in toppling the old kingdom." Ouyang Kuangsheng's casual smile accompanied his words, revealing the uncertainty surrounding such matters.

Returning their focus to their original topic, Qin Wentian gathered Ouyang Kuangsheng, Fan Le, Chu Mang, and Luo Huan in his courtyard.

"What's going on?" Chu Mang scratched his head, a quizzical expression on his face.

"I've got something good for you guys," Qin Wentian replied, a mischievous smile playing on his lips as he produced the porcelain bottle. "These are third-ranked Limit-break pellets concocted by Qingcheng. They can help Yuanfu cultivators break through to the next level. Chu Mang, you're already at the eighth level, and as for Ouyang, Fan Le, and myself, we're at the seventh level. So, once we consolidate our foundations and take one of these pellets, we should have enough strength to secure spots on the Heavenly Fate Rankings."

Ouyang Kuangsheng's expression shifted to one of astonishment. "Mo Qingcheng can actually make Limit-break pellets?" He was well aware of what those were. The ingredients needed for their concoction were incredibly valuable, some even reaching a price so astronomical they couldn't be purchased, regardless of one's wealth. Few alchemists would invest their time, effort, and resources in crafting pills like these, given their high failure rate.

"These pellets also require alchemists with a special constitution to donate their heart's blood. However, extracting too much heart's blood from a person would undoubtedly harm their vital energy," Ouyang Kuangsheng continued, fixing his gaze on Qin Wentian. His tone then took on a slightly admonishing note. "Wentian, Qingcheng has truly gone to great lengths for you. Don't disappoint her."

Qin Wentian's breath caught as he took a deep inhale. Knowing that Qingcheng had managed to craft the Limit-break pellets through a costly accident made him feel a mix of gratitude and guilt.

"I won't," he reassured with a sincere smile. Ouyang Kuangsheng chimed in, his agreement laced with a touch of humor. "Absolutely, she's a woman of unmatched beauty and talent. It'd be quite the anomaly if you were to let her down."

"Senior Sis, there are only four pellets in this bottle..." Qin Wentian glanced at Luo Huan, his words prompting her to roll her eyes playfully before responding with mock exasperation. "What kind of impression do you have of me? You'd better work hard and snatch that first rank in the Heavenly Fate rankings. That way, I can proudly strut around Grand Xia as your Senior Sister."

"Obtaining the first rank must be quite a challenge," Ouyang Kuangsheng interjected, chuckling. While he acknowledged Qin Wentian's exceptional abilities, he recognized the immense difficulty of securing the top position.

The current occupants of the Heavenly Fate Rankings were all prodigies of their generations. With the ranking battle occurring only once every three years, it was almost certain that unexpected dark horses would emerge. Some talents might have been deliberately hidden by their transcendent powers, while others might be disciples of powerful figures aiming to gain recognition through the competition.

The Heavenly Fate Rankings was an event of great significance to all Yuanfu cultivators in Grand Xia. Even just securing a spot within the three hundred and sixty rankings was a noteworthy accomplishment.

For those who entered the top thirty-six rankings, they earned the title of "Heaven's Chosen" of the Nine Continents of Grand Xia.

The top ten were destined for a future of boundless opportunities.

The top three were likely to become figures who could shape the destiny of Grand Xia upon entering the Heavenly Dipper Realm.

And for the number one, they stood alone. Among the vast landscape of the nine continents, only one individual could hold the #1 ranking—proof of their awe-inspiring power.

The top-ranked cultivator in the Heavenly Fate Rankings would undoubtedly earn the title of "King" or "Emperor" when they eventually entered the Heavenly Dipper Rankings.

Every Heaven's Chosen aspired for the precarious position of the #1 rank. However, attaining it was as challenging as reaching the heavens themselves.

This was why Hua Taixu was so admired—his name resonated with countless youths across Grand Xia. Even the bold and confident Ouyang Kuangsheng had set Hua Taixu as his benchmark.

Qin Wentian distributed the Limit-break pellets among them and advised, "Chu Mang, you can use this to break through to the ninth level. As for the three of us, it's better to wait until we reach the eighth level of Yuanfu before taking one."

"Mhm, I sense that reaching the eighth level of Yuanfu is within my grasp. At the moment, I don't think I need the Limit-break pellet," Ouyang Kuangsheng affirmed. "Moreover, after enduring the Heavenly Stele's trial, our Mandates and bodies have been further strengthened. We should be able to withstand the potent after-effects of the Limit-break pellets."

"I'll go and focus on my cultivation," Chu Mang chimed in. His combat abilities were already formidable, and breaking through to the ninth level of Yuanfu would significantly increase his chances of ranking on the Heavenly Fate Rankings.

"Sounds like a plan."

With their decisions made, they dispersed to their respective quarters. The inn had been entirely reserved by the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan for their members participating in the ranking battle.

For a transcendent power like theirs, the cost was inconsequential.

At that moment, a figure halted outside the inn. After confirming the sign, the person entered confidently.

This inn should be where members of the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan were staying. And if that was the case, Qin Wentian should be here too.

"Excuse me, are you all from the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan?" The inn's entrance opened, and three figures emerged. The one at the forefront was a striking young woman dressed in fiery-red attire. This was none other than Ouyang Ting.

She glanced at the newcomer, a middle-aged man with a few streaks of white in his hair. He appeared fatigued, breathing unevenly. His cultivation seemed modest, not particularly powerful.

An ordinary man, Ouyang Ting thought with a tinge of disdain. She could tell he was addressing her, but his appearance didn't impress her much.

"What do you want?" Ouyang Ting inquired with a touch of impatience.

The man, Mustang, remained unfazed by her attitude. Having heard rumors about descendants of transcendent powers, he suspected that this arrogant young lady was likely from the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan.

"Miss Ouyang, may I inquire if you're familiar with Qin Wentian? I've heard that he's here, so I've come to find him." Mustang spoke with genuine politeness, but Ouyang Ting's eyebrows instinctively knitted together at the mention of that name.

Qin Wentian—always Qin Wentian. Each time his name came up, it stirred a mixture of emotions within her.

That young man had managed to overshadow her completely, snatching away the glory that should have been hers. Everyone around her treated him with reverence and respect, treating him as if he were the center of the universe.

"And who exactly are you? What's your connection with him?" Ouyang Ting questioned with a frosty tone.

"I'm his mentor," Mustang replied cautiously, a growing sense of unease gnawing at him.

"Mentor?" Ouyang Ting regarded Mustang with a mix of incredulity and disdain. Could someone as weak-looking as this man truly be that fellow's teacher?

"You do realize this is the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan's premises, right? How dare someone like you think you can waltz in here? Get lost." Ouyang Ting's icy voice dripped with condescension.

Mustang's expression hardened. Taking a deep breath, he pressed on, "Miss Ouyang, I have an urgent matter with him. Would you kindly allow me to pass?"

"Sure, if you're in such a rush. Then go ahead and beg for it," Ouyang Ting retorted, her laughter dripping with mockery. "Perhaps if you get down on your knees and beg me for assistance, I might consider granting you entry."